TWO more existing Fraser Coast dog parks are being upgraded to include separate sections for small and big dogs.
The off-leash dog parks are situated in Blaxland Street in Hervey Bay and Neptune Street in Maryborough.
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Division 5 Councillor Jade Wellings said the separate sections at the two parks come after Fraser Coast Regional Council installed separate play areas at parks in Granville and Craignish.
“Council has received great feedback on the development of fenced off-leash areas with separate spaces for small and large dogs in Brendan Hansen Park, Granville and a park in Petersen Road, Craignish,” Cr Wellings said.
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“The off-leash area in Blaxland Street in the Augustus Estate is very popular and a focal point for the community.
“It has become a very popular meeting spot for residents to catch up so I’m sure having separate spaces for small and large dogs will be a welcome addition here as well.
“The improvements are part of ensuring the Fraser Coast has a safe, healthy and active community.”
Funds will also be used to improve facilities at the off-leash dog park Julie Anne Street, Hervey Bay.
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Council had originally obtained a grant under Round 4 of the Works for Queensland Program to build new off-leash parks at Point Vernon and Bernard Corser Park in Maryborough.
However, Cr Wellings said feedback identified that residents did not want parks in those areas.
“Council decided to use the funding to improve facilities at existing parks while we continue public consultation to identify the location of new off-leash parks.”
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Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Council received $60,000 for the project through the COVID Works for Queensland Program.
“The Works for Queensland program provides funding to get projects off the ground that will create jobs and make a big difference to regional communities,” Mr Saunders said.
“This upgrade will improve the area for locals, providing a better, safer space for their dogs to enjoy.
“This is great news for Maryborough and for our region’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Maps of the fenced off-leash play areas as well as areas where people and pets can walk together on leash in parks and reserves across the region are available on the Council website.
Meanwhile, Cr Wellings reminded residents that they must maintain control over their pets at off-leash parks.
“Even if [your dog] is a distance away picking up a ball or toy you have thrown,” she said.
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While I do not now own a pet, I have owned and loved many dogs of various sizes in my lifetime. I applaud Council for their efforts to accommodate owners of dogs via the dog playgrounds and fully agree with segregation of dogs large and small. Along that vain, pet owners must take personal responsibility for the actions of their pets. That includes their legal responsibility for picking up of their dogs fecal deposits. It would seem that some are either not aware of the consequences of failure to pick up behind their dogs or do not care. There are far too many examples of piles left by obviously large dogs on and along our footpaths. If it has not been done already, I would suggest the posting of Council ordinances along with adequate supply of Black Doggy Bag dispensers.
Hi Roger,
Thank you so much for your feedback.
Sadly the bags provided at parks and other public spaces are not always used. Are there any areas in particular that you are aware of where pet owners are not cleaning up after their dogs?